max363 Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Okies, so I got my hands on some cheap-as-hell fender P-bass copy, which has got decent wood. As I am GASing for fretless bass for quite a while I decided to customize it and make a fretless P-bass Going to change head's shape to lil bit more aggressive one and body's upper horn will be turned into scroll-shaped bass upper horn. And if my finances allow me body will be covered in leather(Yes, I hope to dress up my bass ). However, as i got completely no experience working with wood, i got quite a few questions. Hopefully you guys can help me out with them Well, first of all, as I am living in the deepest woods called Lithuania, 15~20euro worth ebony fretboard shipping costs from 30 to 50euro. Which is pretty much my all projects budget Only hardwoods that i can get without selling my kidneys are maple and oak. I highly doubt that oak will be good. Is maple usable for fretless fretboard? Secondly, What finish i can use for wood(neck, body). Is let say, just plain wood lacquer OK for the job? Over the forums people seem to talk about some oils and waxes, sadly i got no idea what those are :| Heh, had a lot more questions, but my mind is already on holidays(first time in couple of years going to the sea ) and can't remember them >.<'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protium Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 You could always defret the existing neck, no need for a new fretboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max363 Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 As I said it is seriously cheap one. 3mm fat, slightly damaged rosewood fretboard. And if i am not mistaken rosewood is too soft for fretless bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 [quote name='max363' post='559742' date='Aug 3 2009, 10:32 PM']if i am not mistaken rosewood is too soft for fretless bass?[/quote] Not if you use flats.. or rounds with a light touch... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max363 Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 o, thats just great In this case I can complete this bass for 50euro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protium Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 There should be a guide on here somewhere about defretting, take a read and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobiebass Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 could get an ebony mighty mite neck from ebay. have to import them from america but I was well pleased with mine (see the link in my signature for my fretless P build) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max363 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Share Posted August 13, 2009 (edited) One more question guys. Anyone knows how to remove such tuners? Edited August 13, 2009 by max363 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 [quote name='max363' post='567779' date='Aug 13 2009, 11:13 AM']One more question guys. Anyone knows how to remove such tuners?[/quote] Looks like screw fit bushings to me. You need an appropriate sized spanner/socket to remove the bushings. Socket + ratchet is better, the socket fits over the tuner poking out of the headstock. Once the bushings are removed, unscrew the small screws from the back and the whole unit should slide out of the hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 A coating of epoxy on the fingerboard will toughen it up: I'm sure if you Google it, something will come up? Didn't Jaco do something like that? Year ago I defretted a no-name P Bass copy, filled the slots with wood filler and brush varnished ( not lacquered) the neck and even kept the original roundwound strings. I never noticed any wear on the fretboard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max363 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Share Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks neepheid, got them off already and choped choped headstock I already found some soviet relict epoxy at my basement, might use it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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